Wii video channel coming in 2009?

The rumour mill is already buzzing after Christmas, with whispers that the Wii console will be getting a video service in 2009.

Reported by the Nikkei newspaper in Japan, it seems like Nintendo plans to distance itself from direct competition with the likes of Sony and Microsoft, and opt for family-focussed content like cartoons rather than movies and TV shows.

Some of the content will be free, funded by advertising, while others you will have to pay for to watch - no doubt using the Wii Points currency used across the Wii Shop.

Apparently an advertising network has already been signed up to help with the free content, and a release is set for Japan in early 2009. It is thought a worldwide release will follow later on.